Marco Island Academy Celebrates 10 Years with Blue Diamond Gala

A beautiful late fall evening was the perfect backdrop for a lovely evening of celebration for Marco Island Academy. A select group of 188 attendees descended on the Hideaway Beach clubhouse Saturday night for the Blue Diamond Gala, celebrating MIA’s 10 years as a high school on Marco Island.

The black-tie optional affair gave attendees the opportunity to wear their finest - and the cool temperatures meant everyone was perfectly comfortable doing so.

While the event was not a fundraiser, MIA founder and board chair Jane Watt was happy that some significant fundraising occurred.

"My goal for the night was a celebration of 10 years,” Watt said, “not a fundraiser. We did make quite a bit of money on our sponsorships, though.”

The Hope Diamond Sponsor, picked up by the new MIA Rays Squadron, was $30,000. Each of the school’s six Platinum Partners gave $30,000.

MIA principal Melissa Scott, along with her leadership team, were dressed to the nines. Scott was clearly thrilled with the evening. She took time to reflect on what the evening meant to her.

"When I found MIA,” Scott said, "I found my home. It has been an absolute honor to be one small part of helping to create a school that believes in and loves all of its students. We celebrated every single person that helped us bring our dream to reality, and it was an event overflowing with love and sparkle."

Marianne Iordanou, MIA Board Secretary and Blue Diamond Gala Chair was thrilled with how the evening unfolded - and the school’s bright future.

"Last night’s event was a culmination of 10 years of Marco Island Academy’s hard work, academic success, our students’ pride and joy for their new campus and a thank you to all of those who have helped make Jane Watt’s dream a reality.” Iordanou gushed. “It was a true celebration of all our school’s journey to its premiere national charter school standing. The dream goes on and as we say, 'Onward and upward.’”

Mark Melvin, the local philanthropist who serves on the school’s national advisory board as well as overseeing the school’s construction, is involved in all aspects of the school. He wants to thank everyone who has had a hand in the school’s success.

"The Gala was more than just a celebration of 10 years of MIA,” Melvin said. "It was the beginning of the next phase of miracles that have been the hallmark of MIA. From the birth of MIA, the moving to a permanent campus, to the students’ lives that are changed every day at MIA. Though Jane and Melissa were specifically honored, everyone who attended had some hand in the success of MIA. Everyone who was there should be proud of their role and the accomplishments that the first 10 years have yielded at MIA. Thanks to all who attended and who have contributed to the success of MIA."